United Airlines is hiking fees on its lounge memberships and travel credit cards while offering a few new perks. The move marks a big price jump for travelers who value airport comfort and convenience.
Key Facts:
- United Club membership now costs $750 or 94,000 miles, up from $650 or 85,000 miles.
- A new “All Access” tier allows two guests but costs $1,400 or 175,000 miles annually.
- Changes take effect immediately for new members; current members keep old rates until renewal.
- United credit card annual fees are also rising, with some added benefits like rideshare credits.
- The United Club Card fee jumps from $525 to $695 per year.
The Rest of The Story:
United Airlines rolled out a significant overhaul to its lounge membership and co-branded credit card programs.
Starting immediately, new applicants will face higher prices for United Club memberships and card annual fees.
Current members can hold onto existing rates and access until their renewal date.
The standard United Club membership now costs $750 annually or 94,000 miles—a 15% jump.
For travelers who want to bring guests, United is offering a new “All Access” membership for $1,400, which allows entry for up to two guests per visit.
On the credit card side, the United Explorer card fee is going up from $95 to $150 but now includes a $60 rideshare credit.
The United Quest card rises to $350 annually, with added perks such as $100 in rideshare credits and $200 in United travel credits.
The premium United Club Card increases to $695, offering a lounge membership and $150 in rideshare credits.
Commentary:
Flying has always come with a price, but now, even comfort costs more.
United’s latest changes hit frequent travelers in the wallet with a clear message: if you want lounge access, prepare to pay up.
A 15% hike in the individual club membership is already a lot, but the real shock comes from the new “All Access” tier.
To bring a guest, you now have to shell out nearly double the standard membership price.
This change signals a shift from rewarding loyalty to maximizing profit.
United isn’t stopping with lounge access, either.
Credit card fees are rising sharply across the board.
Yes, the cards come with extras like rideshare credits and seat upgrades, but travelers will need to do the math.
The value might not justify the cost for everyone.
What was once a relatively affordable travel luxury is now out of reach for many.
The goal appears obvious: reduce crowding in lounges by pricing out the casual traveler.
That means fewer lines and more exclusivity—for those who can afford it.
While it may improve the lounge experience for top-tier customers, it creates a less welcoming environment overall.
This feels less like a customer service upgrade and more like a cash grab masked with small perks.
The Bottom Line:
United Airlines is raising the cost of comfort with higher lounge fees and pricier credit cards.
While a few new benefits are included, they don’t outweigh the sharp cost increases for many travelers.
This move will likely limit lounge access to the highest spenders.
For the average flyer, premium airport perks just became harder to justify.
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